A disputed green wedge housing scheme has been given the go-ahead after developers reduced its size and included a country park and nature reserve.

The site at Betty's Close Farm, Ingleby Barwick, has been the subject of a series of applications in recent years.

In 2000, plans to build 60 dwellings, reduced from an original 98, were refused.

In 2001, a revised application was referred to the Government, although it was withdrawn before an inquiry. Subsequent plans, including one last year for 19 houses, were also withdrawn at the 11th hour.

Residents have been concerned about the possible environmental impact, pollution, traffic and parking problems.

Previously planning chiefs have recommended the application be refused on grounds it would result in the loss of a greenfield site, would be "obtrusive in the landscape" and would lead to increased traffic.

But officials welcomed the latest proposals for 17 self-build houses and a country park and nature reserve, which they said would benefit the community and outweigh any conflict with planning policies.

The plans were narrowly passed after the Stockton planning committee chairman used his casting vote.

Councillor Roy Rix said: "We have to make decisions that benefit the whole community. Here we have developers who are prepared to give 50 acres to the council to turn it into a park. If other developers were so magnanimous then we wouldn't have to go scratching around for resources. We also get 17 new executive houses, which we are told there is a shortage of."

Dave Weatherill, the businessman behind the latest plans, said: "I believe the planning decision was correct but I also think it was handled very well by the council. This is a saga that has come to an end and we will make sure we do the area justice. The houses are secondary. The country park is the first thing."